'Local Area Planning need of the hour'

With the civic body chalking out its vision for the city for the next 30 years through the City Development Plan, Pune-based Janwani, a social initiative of Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), is now calling for Local Area Planning (LAP).

"Though the CDP of the city is ready, there is a need for LAP so that ward wise or area wise development can take place in a proper way. LAP helps to understand the local problems faced by the people who stay in that area," said Shruti Vaishampayan, project consultant, Janwani.

"The Development Plan is a broad level policy document that lays out the framework for development. There is a need to take it to its next level by breaking it up into smaller areas and detail them out in terms of all civic facilities including mobility, safety, public conveniences, laying of services, open spaces, urban aesthetics etc. Since micro planning is not taken into account the purpose of development is defeated," said Vaishampayan.

To show the civic body how the LAP could be done, Janawani conducted surveys in two different areas that exhibit different nature and degrees of complexities. Studies were conducted for Jangali Maharaj Road, Fergusson College Road and from Good Luck Chowk to Police Lines, while the second study was conducted in the core city - from Narayan Peth to Shaniwar Peth and Alka Talkies Chowk to Shaniwar Wada.

"We conducted a survey of the entire area and talked with people about the problems they face and the changes they want. We found that at J M road area the aspects of mobility were identified as a major concern. The introduction to the Metro rail is set to change the area a lot," said Vaishampayan.

Vishal Jain, governing board member, Janwani, said, "Due to this development the existing population, employment and visitors will increase, which will result in pressure on public infrastructure. Lack of facilities for pedestrians, open spaces and other amenities for future are major concerns." u00a0